Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of neurons in the brain responsible for producing dopamine. The primary symptoms are tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and difficulty with balance or coordination of muscles. Parkinson’s Disease may also cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. It is currently incurable but treatments such as medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery can help to reduce symptoms and improve mobility.

The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and difficulty with coordination. Other common symptoms include balance and gait problems, cognitive impairments such as memory loss or confusion, changes in speech and facial expressions, fatigue, and depression. Parkinson’s can also cause drooling and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is typically made based on the patient’s history and neurological examination. Tests such as MRI, CT scan and DaTscan may be used to help diagnose it. Additionally, a Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (PDRS) can be used to measure the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Parkinson’s medications can help to reduce symptoms, improve movement and mobility, as well as balance the levels of dopamine in the brain. Non-medication treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may also be useful in helping people manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Surgery is an option for some cases of Parkinson’s disease, however, it is not suitable for everyone and carries a range of risks.

Non-medication treatments for Parkinson’s may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy can help to improve mobility, balance, coordination and strength while occupational therapy can help with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Speech therapists can help Parkinson’s patients speak more clearly by teaching them techniques to reduce tremors or facilitate normal speaking patterns. Other non-medication treatments may include sensory stimulation such as massage or acupuncture.

Research into Parkinson’s Disease is ongoing and aimed at finding better treatments and a cure. Areas of research include better ways to diagnose Parkinson’s, understanding how Parkinson’s progresses, finding new treatments and therapies that can help manage symptoms more effectively, exploring the role of genetics in Parkinson’s and its progression, as well as developing neuroprotective strategies for slowing the disease down.

For those affected by Parkinson’s Disease, there are a number of resources available to offer support and information about living with Parkinson’s such as patient advocacy groups, educational materials, financial assistance programs, clinical trials, and support groups. Additionally, Parkinson’s disease organizations provide access to experts in the field and a range of support services.

Lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, sleep habits, and stress management can help improve Parkinson’s symptoms. Exercise is important for Parkinson’s patients as it helps improve balance, coordination, and strength, as well as reduce fatigue and depression associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore, having a healthy diet can help to manage Parkinson’s symptoms and prevent weight gain due to Parkinson’s medications. Good sleep hygiene is also important for Parkinson’s patients, as lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Finally, stress management techniques such as yoga and mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety and depression associated with Parkinson’s Disease.